Planning Ahead

Writers: Jane, Patrick
Date Posted: 27th February 2007

Characters: Cherlyn, Ylisahn
Description: Cherlyn speaks to Ylisahn about a foster-mother for her unborn child.
Location: Dolphin Cove Weyr
Date: month 2, day 22 of Turn 4

Her first proper day as Headwoman of Dolphin Cove Weyr.

One the inside Ylisahn was both panicky and proud, but she hoped that outside she was her usual self. Certainly her face was smiling as she bustled around the office that had become hers two days before. Even Wirril and their children hadn't quibbled when she had expressed a desire to spend the rest day going through the office and making the changes to it that would mark it as her own space. Ylisahn had been grateful for their support and their calling in during the day with treats and presents, and little things gleaned from their own rooms to make sure her new office was cluttered with things they loved.

Cherlyn walked up to the door of the Headwoman's office. She had never had much to do with the old Headwoman, and wasn't in a big hurry to meet the new one. But she needed to get some things sorted out and it was better now than never. She stood in front of the wooden door and knock as loud as she dared, almost hoping the woman wasn't there.

"Come in," Ylisahn called, getting to her feet to welcome her visitor.

No such luck. "Hi. I'm Cherlyn, rider of green Lueanth. I'm here to talk about what I'm doing with my child." The nervous girl sat down in the chair opposite the Headwoman. Trying not to look like she was nervous about talking with this topic to anyone.

"Foster him, you mean? Sensible to look around for a foster-mother early. When are you due?"

Cherlyn thought about it for a moment. "Early month six." She told the Headwoman. "I've never done this before so I have no idea who to ask or how to ask them." She blushed at her ignorance.

"Every woman has to do all of this for a first time, once," Ylisahn said reassuringly. "I can have a word with a few of the foster mothers to see if anybody is available and interested in a babe to be fostered around then. Would you want to nurse him yourself, do you think? Not that you need to decide right away, and the decision isn't irrevocable. Perhaps if you talk to your healer? We can usually find a milk mother but that takes a little more planning and you babe will likely be moved to another foster mother once he's weaned."

"I planned on nursing it." She couldn't get used to calling it a 'he' or 'she', how could she tell what it was? "I'm going to have enough trouble having to put them with a foster mother. But I know Lueanth comes first." She grinned at the mention of her green. "But I want to spend as much time with this child as possible."

Ylisahn nodded. "Then I'll ask for a foster-mother who will help you out a little during the first couple of months, and then foster the babe when you're ready to return to your duties. Does that sound like what you're after?"

"It sounds very nice. But she had better be used to visitors because I don't want this child to forget who his or her mom is." She looked at the slight bulge that was beginning to show on her belly. She grinned at the thought. She was really going through with this. She was going to have a baby.

"Fostering here is about your duty to your dragon, Cherlyn, not separating you from your child. You will be expected to play a part in his life - to always be his mother. Perhaps you could talk with some of the other greenrider mothers? See what they think about fostering. I will help all I can, but I did get to raise my children so I don't have quite the same perspective."

"That's a great idea Headwoman." The title came out funny on Cherlyn's tongue, she hadn't had to use the title in quite some time. "I know quite a few greenriders who have fostered their children. I go have a chat with them. Do I get a list of prospective fostermothers or do I schedule meetings with them?" Cherlyn wanted to start this as soon as possible. She wouldn't loose the chance to get to know her new baby's guardian as soon as possible.

"I'll probably just introduce you to some who are willing when I catch you both in the dining cavern. That way you can arrange other meetings beteween yourselves. And if you ever need advice, or have concerns, you can always come back to me."

Cherlyn grinned. "That would mean I'd have to spend more time in the Dining Cavern." She grinned at the Headwoman's confusion. "I usually just bring my dinner back to my weyr. but I don't mind spending more time in the Dining Cavern."

}:You should be spending more time with other riders.:{ Lueanth told her rider sleepily. Late with her comment as was becoming more usual.

**I was going too.** Cherlyn told her green lovingly. Almost forgetting she wasn't alone or with other riders.

"Does you lifemate want you?" Ylisahn asked with a smile and getting to her feet. "I think we've covered everything for the moment. I'll see who's interested and then arrange some meetings."

"Oh no she just wants me to stop being antisocial." Cherlyn grinned as she stood. "Thank you for your help I'll be sure to catch you at some point in the Dining Cavern." She shook the new Headwoman's hand, very glad she'd come.

Last updated on the February 28th 2007

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Planning Ahead